Q&A with SBS Chief Football Host, Lucy Zelic

Shot by: Jules Rami 

Thanks for catching up with me at such a busy time of the year for you. How have you been handling the schedule and crazy hours?

Pleasure! Being busy is nothing new for me, in fact it’s how I prefer things because I’ve always operated better under pressure. The last year at SBS was my most challenging to-date between the weekly travel, trip to Russia and my usual duties but it was also my most rewarding. Naturally your body clock takes a massive hit but after four years, you get used to being up at all hours of the night.  

I first met you over four years ago on a promotional shoot for SBS when you just started in television and you were such a breath of fresh air. How does the Lucy then, differ to the one now?

A lot has changed for me personally but then again, I’d also like to think that a lot hasn’t. I don’t think what I am doing professionally is particularly extraordinary which is why I never get caught up in anything remotely superficial but I have grown a much thicker skin and learned that being myself, rather than someone I think people will like, is the only way I’ll sleep well at night. 

What do you get up to on your rare days off?

I like to keep things low-key and spend time with my family and close girlfriends. I’ve evolved past the point of going to bars and nightclubs now and prefer nights in, playing a round of golf when the weather’s nice, catching a movie, working on my novels, inviting friends around for a meal or baking up a storm. When I am afforded the opportunity to rest, it’s nice to just stop and take a breath. I can be a bit of a hermit. 

You always talk about your family and how important they are to you. Do you ever think about starting your own one day?

Absolutely but it has to be with the right person. I’ve always said that I’d happily take a step back from my job and even move cities or countries to be with someone but to make that sacrifice, it has to be for someone special. I am a big romantic and old-fashioned girl at heart so I love the idea of one day, keeping a nice home and cooking dinner for my loved ones every night. 

You’ve been single for 18 months now. How has the dating circuit been treating you?

I can’t say because I haven’t actively been dating. The whole landscape has changed now and people are putting emphasis on the wrong things like appearances and wealth. None of that impresses me. It’s easy to be attracted to someone but I’ve always looked for that mental challenge and something beyond the physical, otherwise I get bored. I like to be tested and kept on my toes and it takes a specific type of man to pull that off. Very few people intrigue me so when, and if they do, I stand up and take notice.  

You’d make a hilarious Bacherlorette. Would you ever do it?

Not a chance, you couldn’t pay me enough! The idea of dating multiple men terrifies me because I am not wired that way. Once someone captures my attention, everyone else becomes irrelevant. Quality over quantity has always been my motto and there’s nothing about a tacky dating show that’s built on ratings and staged scenarios that appeals to me. Sorry to disappoint you. 

If you could change something about yourself what would it be?

I can be incredibly hard on myself and overthink things. It has it's benefits because it means I am never prone to complacency but it can also be horribly exhausting. I am also the type of person who always likes to know what’s coming but in the past year alone, I’ve learned that life doesn’t work that way so I am getting better at just rolling with the punches. 

This year was a particularly rough one for you with the passing of the legendary Les Murray. How has his death affected you?

This isn’t something I can answer fully because I am still coming to terms with it. He was such a special man to so many people and the hole he has left in all of our lives will never be replaced. Some days I still look down at my phone and think 'just call him Lucy'. The thought of going to the World Cup next year without him tears me up inside. Is it ok if we move onto the next question? This is still really hard to talk about and I don’t want to start crying on you. 

Sure. On the surface you’re this wildly successful, independent, strong woman but there’s a lot more to you. What do you feel are some of the biggest misconceptions about you? 

It can be hard being in an industry like this because everyone assumes they know who you are based on what they see on TV and judge you accordingly. Sure there are elements to my personality that you see on-air but if you ask any of my friends and family, they’ll tell you I am a very different person off-camera. People often confuse my tenaciousness with stubbornness or have accused me of being ‘guarded’ but I can take time to open up to people and once I let someone in, it’s because I trust them. I've always admitted to being a massive softie underneath it all but only those closest to me see it.  

Is it true you once jumped someone’s fence to kidnap a dog? 

I knew that would come back to haunt me one day! To be clear, it was more like a recovery mission than a kidnapping. It was my friend’s dog that her grandfather had given her and out of spite, her ex refused to give him back during the break-up. I hated watching her cry so I simply took matters into my own hands. I’ve never experienced a rush of adrenalin like I did when I legged it down the street with that pug under my arm. I am fiercely protective of my people and if you cross them, I’ll become your worst nightmare. No exceptions.  

You’re so much fun on Instagram and forever making us laugh with your hilarious videos. What’s your take on social media?

To not take it too seriously because it’s not real life. Most of my content is made up of me poking fun at my friends and family because that’s in my nature, I love having a laugh and enjoying some healthy banter. I like it’s ability to connect people from all over the world but I still enjoy getting a good old fashioned phone call from people more than I do hearing from them on social media. 

You’re also quite the fashionista. From Balenciaga to Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Tom Ford; you’ve got some killer threads. How would you define your personal style?

I don’t think I have one, I just go off how I feel on a particular day. Sometimes all I wear is basketball jerseys and kicks, other days I like feminine dresses, tailored suits or jeans and a t-shirt. It really is a mixed bag but I’ve bought some beautiful investment pieces over the years that I love, purely because of the quality and longevity you get out of them.    

  

Where do you see yourself in five years?

That’s a hard question to answer because I find that the goalposts are constantly shifting for me. Five years ago, I would have laughed at someone if they said that this is where I’d be because I never imagined I’d end up in television. Can I honestly say that I’ll still be working in the media? I am not sure. I’ve always been a writer at heart so the concept of retreating to focus solely on that sounds nice but I am really happy with where I am at right now. SBS has given me more than a job, it’s given me the chance to live out my passion for the game and a second family. I won’t ever be able to repay them for that.  

You are idolised by so many young women right across the country. What’s some advice you’d give to those wanting to follow in your footsteps? 

I have always been really clear about my messaging and it’s this; if you don’t love the game, don’t bother. This role also involves a lot of hard work and sacrifice and isn’t something you can bluff your way through. Secondly, don’t try to be like anyone else because your greatest asset in this life lies in your ability to be unique and hinges on what you can bring to the table that no one else has. Let the football do the talking for you because although it's fun to play dress-ups, no one is going to give a shit about which dress you wore on a red carpet when the lights go out but they will remember how you reacted when the game needed you the most. 

Lucy Zelic is the SBS TV Chief Football Host, SBS World News Australia sports segment presenter, a sideline reporter and holds a degree in a Bachelor of Journalism and Sport Business.